The Genki Spark presents: 'Genki Unleashed' taiko demonstration for Boston Asian Film Festival

The Genki Spark presents: 'Genki Unleashed' a special taiko demonstration by Asian American Women for The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF)

November 11, 2010
Stuart Street Playhouse, Boston, MA

BACKGROUND:
GENKI - Japanese - adjective: happy, healthy, full of life.
TAIKO - Japanese - noun: drum

When The Genki Spark was invited to open for the 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival, a call for Asian women was launched. With less than 3 weeks to plan there was much work to do. The emails that zoomed around to close friends and family read something like this: "1-2 other Asian women artists needed to perform taiko for the opening of the Boston Asian American Film Festival. Don't be intimidated by the fact that taiko typically takes 3 years to learn the basics or 10 to be considered good. Everyone gets to try. Come join other Asian women to show off your strong, bold, zestful spirit. Must be able to attend two rehearsals."

Within 24 hours, not just 1-2 but nearly a dozen Asian women had courageously stepped forward. The response was overwhelming and the peer support was incredible. Some women encouraged their friends--"Come on, I'll do it if you do it"--while others goosed their siblings. With the exception of 3 experienced players, the large majority had never even touched a taiko. As you know, taiko drumming is NOT a subtle art form. For Asian women who have been told not to be loud, not to be showy, and to always put the needs of others before their own, this became an opportunity not only to get behind the Film Festival but to get behind the the Film Festival as fierce, proud, creative, visible, Asian WOMEN.

Using a combination of taiko and gomikan (trash can drums), this arrangement made up of simple rhythms common to the taiko community, is designed for us to show our true 'genki spirit. Thank you to the BAAFF for giving us this special opportunity to support the Festival and Asian American Artists.

ABOUT THE GENKI SPARK:
Launched the summer of 2010, The Genki Spark aims to share the art of Japanese Taiko Drumming and to promote and support the voice and visibility of Asian Americans.

Working with youth centers, schools, activist organizations, social and nonprofit groups, The Genki Spark appeals to a broad audience. Through demonstrations, presentations on Asian American culture, and weekly recreational taiko classes, The Genki Spark strives to build community, foster self confidence, and promote a world where every culture is respected.

www.TheGenkiSpark.org
www.facebook.com/thegenkispark

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• BAAFF
• The Genki Spark
• Asian American Women
• Taiko Drum
• Japanese Taiko
• Boston
• Asian Film Festival
• Stuart Street Playhouse

[nerdsarestupid]

my sister is in the genki spark but now shes in the genkis teens